Expert Anaemia Care in Dubai

The most common types of anaemia we treat include iron deficiency anaemia (the most prevalent globally and in the UAE), vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia (common in vegetarians and those with absorption issues), folate deficiency anaemia, anaemia of chronic disease (associated with kidney disease, autoimmune conditions, and chronic infections), and thalassemia trait, which is particularly common in the Middle East, South Asia, and Mediterranean populations. Each type requires specific diagnostic tests and targeted treatment, which is why accurate classification through comprehensive blood testing is the essential first step.

Iron deficiency treatment costs at DCDC vary depending on the severity of deficiency and the treatment approach. Oral iron supplementation is the most affordable option. IV iron infusion, recommended for patients with severe deficiency, malabsorption, or intolerance to oral iron, involves facility fees and infusion costs. Most major insurance plans accepted at our clinic cover anaemia diagnostic tests and treatment, including IV iron infusion when medically indicated. Contact our clinic for current pricing and insurance verification.

An IV iron infusion typically takes 30 to 60 minutes for the infusion itself, plus a 30-minute observation period afterward to monitor for any adverse reactions. Most patients tolerate IV iron well, with the most common side effects being mild and temporary, such as a metallic taste, mild headache, or flushing. The number of infusions needed depends on the severity of your iron deficiency and your body weight. Some patients require a single session, while others may need two to three infusions over several weeks. Your doctor will calculate the required dose based on your blood test results and body weight.

Ferritin is the storage form of iron, and levels can remain low despite a seemingly adequate diet for several reasons. Common causes include chronic occult blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract (even without visible bleeding), heavy menstrual periods, impaired iron absorption due to celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or chronic gastritis, increased iron demands during pregnancy or rapid growth, chronic inflammation that sequesters iron in storage, and certain medications including proton pump inhibitors that reduce stomach acid needed for iron absorption. Vegetarian and vegan diets may provide adequate total iron but in the non-heme form, which is less efficiently absorbed than heme iron from animal sources.

Iron deficiency and anaemia are related but distinct conditions. Iron deficiency refers to depleted iron stores, detected by low ferritin levels, which can exist before anaemia develops. You can have iron deficiency without anaemia, experiencing symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, and poor concentration even when your hemoglobin is still within normal range. Anaemia occurs when iron stores become so depleted that hemoglobin production is impaired, resulting in low hemoglobin levels on a blood test. This distinction is clinically important because iron deficiency should be treated even before it progresses to anaemia, as replenishing iron stores early prevents worsening symptoms and complications.

Vitamin B12 deficiency treatment depends on the cause and severity. For patients with absorption problems, such as pernicious anaemia, previous gastric surgery, or chronic gut conditions, intramuscular B12 injections are the preferred treatment, typically given daily or weekly initially, then monthly for maintenance. For patients with dietary deficiency, particularly those following vegetarian or vegan diets, high-dose oral B12 supplementation (1000-2000 mcg daily) is often effective. At DCDC, we determine the optimal route based on your specific situation, monitor B12 levels and blood counts to confirm response, and provide dietary guidance to support long-term B12 status.

No, thalassemia trait (also called thalassemia minor or carrier status) is very different from thalassemia disease (thalassemia major or intermedia). Thalassemia trait means you carry one copy of the thalassemia gene and one normal copy. Carriers typically have mild microcytic anaemia (small red blood cells) with slightly low hemoglobin, but usually do not require treatment and live normal, healthy lives. Thalassemia disease (major) occurs when a child inherits thalassemia genes from both parents, causing severe anaemia requiring regular blood transfusions. This is why carrier screening and genetic counseling before marriage and pregnancy are especially important in the UAE, where thalassemia carrier rates are high.

Yes, iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional causes of hair loss, particularly in women. When iron stores are depleted, the body prioritizes vital organs over non-essential functions like hair growth, leading to increased hair shedding (telogen effluvium) and thinning hair. This can occur even with ferritin levels that are technically within the low-normal range. Many dermatologists recommend maintaining ferritin levels above 40-70 ng/mL for optimal hair health. At DCDC, we evaluate iron status as part of hair loss investigations and provide targeted iron repletion therapy, which typically leads to noticeable improvement in hair growth within three to six months of achieving optimal ferritin levels.